Backup at FC Bayern: AC Milan show concrete interest in Minjae Kim | OneFootball

Minjae Kim has had a difficult time at FC Bayern this season. Since the arrival of Jonathan Tah, the South Korean has been ousted from the starting eleven and is now only the first backup in central defense. Now there are more and more indications that top clubs from Serie A are thinking about signing him.

The situation at Säbener Straße has changed noticeably for Minjae Kim over the past few months. The 29-year-old was planned to be the main defender when he arrived in the summer of 2023, but since Jonathan Tah joined the record champions, Kim has lost his starting place. The new centre-back duo of Tah and Dayot Upamecano are clearly set, while Kim has played 627 competitive minutes so far – solid, but a far cry from his former role.

This development is now attracting renewed international interest, with the BILD podcast„Bayern Insider“ reporting that AC Milan are monitoring the South Korean and continue to show a keen interest. The Rossoneri already had Kim on their radar last summer and appear to be keeping a close eye on his situation in Munich.

Serie A reputation remains unchanged – Juventus and Milan on track

photo: IMAGO

Kim continues to be held in high regard in Italy. His title win with SSC Napoli in 2022/23, coupled with the award for best defender in Serie A, has earned him a reputation that continues to have an impact to this day. A few weeks ago, rumours were already surfacing about Juventus Turin, who were said to be looking into a winter transfer. Now AC Milan are too – and at a time when the Rossoneri are level on points with Napoli at the top of the table.

Although Kim still has a contract with FC Bayern until 2028, his long-term future is uncertain. His current role as a backup does not match his aspirations or his sporting potential, even with a view to the 2026 World Cup with South Korea,

Bayern plans to stay in winter – summer brings new momentum

Despite the interest from Italy, there is little to suggest that Bayern will let Kim go in the winter. The record champions are battling on three competitive stages at the same time and need a broad squad base. Coach Vincent Kompany is relying on a stable axis and wants to be able to fall back on reliable depth in the decisive part of the season. A departure in January therefore seems almost impossible.

However, the general conditions could change fundamentally in the summer. Munich are still looking at possible reinforcements for the central defence – names such as Marc Guehi or, in particular, Nico Schlotterbeck are being bandied about time and again. Should the situation change there, a Kim departure could become realistic again.